Getting Started: CBC

Every mortgage loan originator (whether state-licensed or federally registered) is required to complete a CBC in NMLS.

The Criminal Background Check Authorization Request is required for submission of the application form (Form MU4 for state licensing, Form MU4R for federal registration).

All other Individuals in NMLS (MU2 Filings)

As determined by each state agency, certain Control Persons, Direct Owners, Indirect Owners, Executive Officers, Branch Managers, and Qualifying Individuals are required to submit a Criminal Background Check (CBC) through NMLS. The requirement to submit a CBC through NMLS varies by license types, position held, and agency. Please review the MU2 NMLS CBC Requirements Chart to determine individuals reported on the MU2 Form that are required to submit a CBC through NMLS. Failing to grant access to all relevant agencies before criminal background check results are returned requires you to authorize and pay for a new criminal background check.

Step 2: Scheduling a fingerprint appointment

Once an individual or employer has paid for the CBC request through NMLS, the individual will be able to schedule a fingerprint appointment. Go to Schedule a Fingerprint.

NOTE: If you already have fingerprints in NMLS that are less than three years old, you will not need to be reprinted. NMLS can use the existing fingerprints that are on file. Due to FBI regulations, individuals must provide new fingerprints when requesting a new Criminal Background Check if previously submitted fingerprints are more than 3 years old. NMLS also offers employers the follow methods for providing fingerprints to NMLS:

On-site Group Appointment - Fieldprint can arrange an on-site visit to accommodate groups of 30 or more for a fee to cover all travel costs and set-up. All individuals must be fingerprinted at the same time. For more information regarding on-site group appointments, see Group Fingerprint Appointments.

Use existing equipment or network - NMLS recognizes that some entities may have existing systems for fingerprint collections and a volume that makes it worthwhile to establish a direct connection. Due to the technical and legal requirements necessary to facilitate such an alternative fingerprint submission process, NMLS can only offer this option under certain conditions. See Submitting Fingerprints from an Existing Network for details.

NOTE: After authorizing a new Criminal Background Check and selecting to submit new fingerprints, fingerprints must be submitted within 180 days. If fingerprints are not submitted within 180 days, the background check window will expire and a new Criminal Background Check will need to be authorized and paid for.

Step 3: Viewing CBC results in NMLS

Fingerprints are automatically processed with results reported back to NMLS from the FBI usually within 48 hours of submission. Some exceptions to this may occur if an individual has been sent to Name Check processing where results may not be returned from the FBI for up to 90 days. CBC status can be viewed through Composite View from your individual account.